Battlefield 2042 adds cross-gen to all next-gen digital versions

Previous gen owners won’t have to sweat the upgrade

If you’re picking up a digital PS4 or Xbox One version of Battlefield 2042, you won’t have to worry as much about an upgrade down the line now. Electronic Arts and DICE announced today that all next-gen digital versions of Battlefield 2042 will include cross-gen access.

That means if you pick up a digital copy of Battlefield 2042 on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, you’ll still get access to the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game. Previously, the Cross-Gen Bundle was only part of the Gold and Ultimate Edition versions of Battlefield 2042. In an EA blog post today, Battlefield‘s community manager explained the change.

“We realize that for many, next-gen hardware is still hard to come by,” reads the post. “We want as many Battlefield fans as possible to start the journey with us on day one, and we want to give those players the peace of mind that their progress carries over if they get a new system this holiday season, or beyond.”

This does mean that you’ll need to pick up the next-gen versions of Battlefield 2042 to access the Cross-Gen Bundle, though. EA says there are “presently no plans for any alternative upgrade paths” for the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Battlefield 2042. You’ll also have to buy digital, as the physical version will not include access to the Cross-Gen Bundle.

Also, the upgrade only works within console families. This is usually how it goes with these upgrades, but PS4 owners won’t be able to go to Xbox Series X, and vice versa with Xbox One to PS5. Basically, no console hopping. But while there’s a limitation, it’s nice to see that those who haven’t managed to get a PS5 or Xbox Series X yet won’t have to pay too much of a premium to play Battlefield 2042 when it’s out. And Battlefield 2042 will support cross-progression, so your profile will carry across to any platform, so long as it’s linked to your EA Account.

Battlefield 2042 will host an open beta on Oct. 6 through 9, and will launch later this year on Nov. 19 for PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.